1 Deep Awakening

The storm raged on, I knew I wouldn't survive this unnatural rain. I lay here in my final moments, reminiscing about my Master's words to me...

I awoke; it was cloudy, and I lie on a cold beach, with no recollection of who I am. All I know is that my name is… Sirius Pleiades. I currently lay on an empty beach, the waves crashing nearby, and the seagulls squawking above me. My head ached, it was as though my head had been hit with a large bat of some sorts.

I slowly got up off the deserted beach, and brushed myself off. I looked down at myself, and saw my pitch black skin, contrasting with my ragged, brown clothing. I felt my eyes still on my face. So far, so good. As I continued to look around, I noticed some trees and forestry a few paces off of the sandy beach dunes I was currently on.

To the other side of me… was the ocean. It swayed back and forth, rhythmically, as if it were calling me. The ocean's deep abyss, calling to me as if it were my home. I began walking towards the lightless water, as if I were being told by every muscle in my body to go further towards the water.

"I wouldn't go in there if I were you… the ocean's a real dangerous place, you know," A mysterious voice said from behind. A middle aged man stood behind me, his pale hand held my shoulder tight, with a grip of a thousand men.

"Ah, thank you for telling me, I got a little distracted looking at the waves," I stated, rubbing the side of my arm nervously.

"Well boy, you seem a little lost. Come with me, I'll take you to town and get you some new clothes, yours look pretty beat up," The man said, patting me on the back, and pushing me towards the island, away from the sea. I didn't resist, as I knew whatever waited for me inland was better than the sea.

After a ten minute trek, the old man and I arrived at the town. It was a fairly sized town, consisting of some houses and a few shops scattered around. The fall colors made it seem a little less desolate than it actually was. There were a few children out in the narrow streets, playing hopscotch with one another.

The old man led me into his house on the outskirts of the town. The old man's house was much larger than the rest, as it towered above most of the other residential area. The old man opened the door into his home, leading me into his humble abode.

The inside of the home was beautifully decorated. The walls were ornate, and had gold carvings stretch across the banner of the walls. Medals and other awards hung on the walls and dotted the shelves of the large, almost manor like structure. The old man guided me to a living area, where we both sat down in large, cloth woven chairs.

"So, boy… where do you come from? You quite obviously aren't from around here," The old man asked, walking over into the kitchen to pour some tea.

"I'm not too sure where I'm from, sir. I have no recollection of anything before I washed up on that beach, besides my name," I responded quietly.

"Ah, that's offly convenient for you, eh? Ahahaha! I'm just kidding. It's quite tragic you lost your memory, boy. Speaking of which, what's your name?" The old man continued, setting down the tea in front of him and I.

"It's Sirius, sir. Sirius Pleiades." I responded in quick haste, attempting to keep up with the onslaught of questions given to me.

"Ah, well of course it's serious, it's your name after all!" The man chuckled heartily, before continuing, "Well, Sirius, my name is Efengarde, and for the time being, I'll be taking you under my wing. That is, until you remember who you are"

My pupil-less eyes beamed with happiness. It was a miracle that the first person I met was so kind to me, despite only having known me for a few minutes.

"Now then, let's get you all dressed up. Follow me." Efengarde said, standing out of his chair, and motioning me upstairs to the second floor of the manor. I was led into a medium sized room, with closets and drawers scattered across the room.

"You may have any of the clothes in here you'd like, we can't have you running around in rags." Efengarde stated, pointing to the large array of clothing options available to me. Efengarde let himself out, and closed the door, leaving me to my own devices.

I searched for hours on end to find something that looked right, but nothing seemed to quite fit. That was until I got to the last drawer, and what was in front of me was a treasure trove of interesting outfits. Out of all that I saw, I picked out a grey undershirt with a navy blue jacket, and walked out to greet Efengarde.

"Ah, you look wonderful my boy! Much better than those rags you had on. Come now, let's head out and introduce you to the town." Efengarde said excitedly. He hurriedly pushed me outside into the town, where townsfolk were out and about the square, selling goods and buying other necessities.

Efengarde dragged me along from stall to stall, meeting all the townsfolk and giving them my greetings. Afterwards, Efengarde and I sat down, for a quick chat.

"Boy, you know nothing of this world, yes? It's a dangerous place, and you must protect yourself at all costs! So, starting tomorrow, I'll be teaching you how to fight, understand?" Efengarde put forward. I simply nodded in response to his command, and sat there in silence.

After our talk about battle-training, Efengarde and I returned to the manor, in order to get rest for the next day that was in store for us.